Through match day 21 Liverpool have scored just 29 goals so far this term – an average of 1.38 per 90 minutes – a far cry from the side that hit the back of the net at will last season.

Over the past few days, the focus has reportedly become firmly set on improving the forward ranks, even as Daniel Sturridge’s return appears less than two weeks away.

Mario Balotelli has made it to January without a Premier League goal as has Fabio Borini, whilst Rickie Lambert has struck only once.

The man that has repeatedly been named as the prime target is Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain, who recovered from a wretched start to post nine goals in his last 11 Serie A appearances.

However, Higuain’s agent has said that he has not spoken to any other clubs after being asked about Liverpool’s reported interest, with no intention on the striker’s part to go.

Nicolas Higuain – also the 27-year-old’s brother – told Radio CRC: “Liverpool on Higuain? I do not speak English, but only Italian, French and Spanish.”

“I have not spoken to any club first of all because they have not called me and then as a matter of respect to Napoli, as it would not be fair.

“Higuain is calm, has a contract with Napoli and is not planning to go away because he is happy. We’re not thinking of leaving Napoli.”

Higuain fits that type of top striker mould that teams crave, but of course that means he carries a hefty price-tag. In linking the Argentine to the Reds, The Independent reported that Liverpool would need to offer in the region of £30 million to get their man.

Napoli’s tenuous financial situation after missing out on the Champions League group stage this term, however, has been put forward as a possible reason for the Partenopei to sell.

The southern club are also locked in bitter a battle to secure third place in Serie A, while Higuain has long been rumoured to be on the move, heavily linked to Barcelona in the summer.

Napoli signed Manolo Gabbiadini earlier this month, which had been interpreted by some to mean that Higuain was being replaced ahead of an impending sale.

But Lorenzo Insigne’s injury earlier this term pointed to plans for Rafael Benitez to use Gabbiadini in a supporting role rather than in Higuain’s centre-forward position. Early indications suggest that this is indeed where the 23-year-old will be deployed.

At this point it seems the only way Higuain would be leaving would be through an offer Napoli couldn’t refuse. Yet owner Aurelio Di Laurentiis will be well aware how disastrous selling his star man mid season could be, and won’t be inclined to do so.

Liverpool would likely have to throw an incredible amount on the table to get their man, especially at a time where the squad needs help in multiple areas – not just up front.

Ian Capasso

Ian is a freelance football journalist based in Boston, USA who fell in love with the game upon first watching Francesco Totti work his magic on the ball. After earning a degree in Politics and History from Brandeis University, he turned his attention towards the world of football journalism and is now a regular contributor to Goal.com, Squawka, Rant Sports, and Soccer Newsday in addition to his work with HITC Sport.